Page 63 of Demon Hunger
The sword dropped from my hand, and I stared at the portal in front of me. I heard my name in the distance, and the world around me seemed to shake, but it didn’t matter. I had to cross the threshold. I knew my family was on the other side, and they needed me. I could hear their clamoring voices on the other side of the light.
I took a step forward and winced as the glow grew brighter. The light felt like a touch on my skin.
“Lucia, please!” my mother’s voice echoed pleadingly in the distance.
“I’m coming.” I reached a hand into the blinding light, taking another step forward and then another. When I glanced back, there was nothing but brightness behind me. I was surrounded. But something wasn’t right. Something told me I shouldn’t be here.
“Lucia!” a deep voice called my name like a warning, and the world trembled again. Who was it? I paused, thinking hard.
My family isn’t here. They’re home. Safe.
I hesitated, even as my sisters’ voices joined my mother’s. Maybe it was a trap, and I should go back.
“Lucia!” That deep voice again, though this time it sounded far away
I strained to hear it. It was little more than a whisper.
“Get back to me. Get back. I love you.”
Drevan?
Yes, it was him, but he was calling me from the opposite direction. Why wasn’t he here helping me save my family?
He would be here if he could, a part of me said, and it was true. He would never abandon me. In fact, he was calling me, and there was something in his voice that was far more real than whatever lay on the other side of the light.
“I’m coming.” I ran back the way I’d come.
My eyes opened to the afternoon sun, and Drevan hovering above me. I coughed, choking on my own spittle. He helped me sit up and rubbed my back as the fit passed. Everyone had formed a circle around me.
“You’re all right. You’re all right,” he repeated, as if he were trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
He gestured to Jenna, who kneeled next to me and took my hand. Her expression twisted with concern.
“I don’t know what happened,” I said, feeling embarrassed.
“But I do.” Drevan rose to his feet and turned to face Regina.
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Regina’seyesdartedfromside to side, looking as if she was ready to bolt.
Drevan took a step forward and stood in front of her. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Professor Veneres,” she answered in a tight voice.
“That was a Dreadsnare,” he said. “I know the signs well.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know what that is.”
His hand shot up and wrapped around her neck. Everyone gasped.
“Professor Veneres,” the Director stepped closer and placed a hand on Drevan’s shoulder.
Drevan’s grip around Regina’s neck loosened a little, but he didn’t let go. “She’s a Drude, Darrold.”
The Director frowned. He looked as confused as everyone else.
“What is he talking about?” Jenna hissed in my ear.
